投资者买到“假金条”？工商银行回应！

Core Viewpoint - Recent concerns have arisen regarding the quality of gold bars purchased from banks, following claims of impurities found within the bars. Banks, particularly state-owned ones, have responded by investigating these claims and asserting the credibility of their gold products [1][10]. Group 1: Gold Bar Supply and Standards - Investment gold bars sold by banks are primarily sourced from certified refineries that meet the standards of the Shanghai Gold Exchange. Major suppliers include leading enterprises such as Shandong Gold and Swiss Metalor [4]. - Investment gold bars typically have a markup of approximately 8 to 20 yuan per gram, while themed gold bars can have a markup significantly higher, ranging from 70 to 180 yuan per gram, due to their craftsmanship and brand premium [4][3]. Group 2: Market Challenges and Quality Control - Despite strict standards for suppliers, the gold market faces challenges, including the presence of counterfeit products and substandard gold bars. The rise in gold prices has led to an increase in fraudulent activities [10]. - Banks require that gold bars returned for repurchase must be in good condition, with complete branding and weight information. However, the verification process can be complex, often requiring third-party inspections [6][10]. Group 3: Consumer Awareness and Recommendations - Consumers are advised to purchase gold from reputable brands and ensure that products come with valid certificates from recognized testing institutions to avoid counterfeit products [10]. - The complexity of the gold market necessitates that consumers remain vigilant about the authenticity of the gold they purchase, especially in light of the increasing number of "problem gold bars" entering the market [10].